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A new study reveals that patients with early-stage rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are significantly more likely to develop high blood pressure, underscoring the need for targeted lifestyle interventions to manage cardiovascular risks in this population. Published in Rheumatology: Advances in Practice, the study by researchers at the University of Western Ontario analyzed data from over 2,000 patients in the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort. Their findings point to a notable overlap in hypertension risk among early RA patients, with one in four developing hypertension within five years of their RA diagnosis.
The study observed that 26% of participants presented with hypertension at the outset, with a higher prevalence among men (34%) compared to women (23%). In tracking patient outcomes over a five-year period, researchers identified that nearly a quarter of those without hypertension at baseline developed the condition. Key factors contributing to the heightened risk included older age, high cholesterol, diabetes, and lifestyle-related aspects such as excessive alcohol intake and overweight status. Interestingly, the study found no correlation between RA-specific factors or treatments and hypertension risk, emphasizing that RA itself, rather than disease-modifying treatments, could be indirectly linked to elevated blood pressure.
This research highlights an often-overlooked cardiovascular complication in early RA, a condition primarily regarded as an autoimmune joint disorder. The study’s emphasis on non-RA-specific risk factors like weight, cholesterol, and alcohol consumption sheds light on potentially modifiable areas that clinicians can address early on. The authors recommend interventions like dietary changes, increased physical activity, and reduced alcohol intake as effective strategies to prevent hypertension, which could, in turn, reduce the risk of future heart disease in this vulnerable group. By focusing on these lifestyle changes, healthcare professionals have an opportunity to mitigate long-term cardiovascular risks for patients with early RA, ensuring a holistic approach to their care.